Requirements for New Food Premises

All proprietors proposing to establish new food premises must comply with the Food Act 1984 and the Food Safety Standards Code.

Prior to the commencement of any building works it is advised that contact be made with Council's Environmental Health Officers to discuss your application and arrange for a site inspection. If plans are available these could be submitted however this is not a mandatory requirement.

Swimming Pools and Spas

Collection and analysis of water from public pools for compliance under the Health and Wellbeing Act.

Distribution of 'Sharps' containers to Diabetics

'Sharps' containers are provided "free" to residents. Collection and disposal is through Council Service Centres.

Rooming Houses

Rooming Houses must be registered with the Environmental Health Unit of the council. A rooming house is defined as a building where one or more rooms are available for occupancy on payment of rent where the total number of people is four (4) or more.

Colonic Irrigation

Premises conducting Colonic Irrigation must also be registered

Prescribed Accommodation

On January 1, 2009 the new Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 came into operation and replaced the previous Health Act 1958.

Under the new Act "Prescribed Accommodation" has been expanded to included ".... accommodation provided in the course of a person's employment".

Providing accommodation for more than six (6) employees must be registered with councils' health unit. Before registration is granted the premises must comply with Public Health and Building regulations.

If you have any enquires regarding the above please contact the Environmental Health Department on (03) 5734 6200.

The Department of Health, Victoria has developed these guidelines to help businesses comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 by providing information on infection control. The guidelines are designed around a risk management approach:

Infection control, legislative requirements, occupational health and safety issues, and how to clean, disinfect and sterilise instruments and equipment

Industry specific information

General information on risk analysis and management, to assist proprietors and operators to develop policies and procedures to improve infection control and prevention practices.

Health information sheets for clients

The Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 require proprietors of businesses undertaking skin penetration procedures (including tattooing and body piercing) to provide clients with information about the risks of infectious diseases before undertaking a procedure. The Department of Health has prepared health information sheets that proprietors can use.

Smoking banned at all outdoor dining areas across Victoria

Smoking will be banned at all outdoor dining areas across Victoria from 1 August 2017.

The Victorian Government initiative, which will be enforced by local Councils, applies to restaurants, cafes, take-away shops and licensed premises, including courtyard dining areas and footpath dining.

The ban also applies to food fairs and within 10 metres of a food stall or vendor at an organised outdoor event, including community and street festivals.

As part of the reform, smoking will also be banned at outdoor drinking areas if any part of that area is within 4 metres of an outdoor dining area, unless separated by a wall of at least 2.1 metres high.

Businesses that don’t comply with the new reforms face on-the-spot fines for the business owner and for any person smoking in the restricted area.

Domestic Wastewater Management (Septic Tanks)

Under the Environment Protection Act 1970, Council has the responsibility to inspect and approve permits for the installation or alteration of septic tank systems under Part IXB of the Act.

The Council requires for all property owner to apply for a permit for an onsite wastewater system that treats effluent within the property’s boundary to be installed in areas where reticulated sewer is not available.

System Type:

Onsite wastewater systems need to have a certificate of approval to show they meet the requirements set by the EPA. Details of EPA approved systems can be found on the EPA Website.

Land Capability Assessment (LCA):

A land capability assessment is required for all applications that fall within a Declared Special Water Supply Catchment area. For all other areas Environmental Health Officers will investigate the site to determine whether the site is appropriate for wastewater disposal. The Environmental Health Officer may further request a land capability assessment if they require more detailed information on the sites suitability.

Indemnity:

Onsite wastewater systems are required to be installed, serviced and maintained by a licensed contractor.

Approval Permits for Your Domestic Wastewater System:

No installation or alteration works are to commence prior to receiving a permit to install certificate.

Your permit to install is valid for two years from the date of issue however you can apply for an additional 12 month extension at least 28 days prior to your permit expiry. If your permit has lapsed you will be required to lodge a new Application to Install/Alter a Domestic Wastewater System form and any associated costs.

It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1970 to use a wastewater system proposed for installation prior to the permit to use being issued. Council may issue an infringement notice if a wastewater system is in use prior to issuing a permit to use.

Under the Building Act and Building Regulations, your occupancy permit will not be issued until a copy of the permit to use is obtained.

Permits and Plans:

One copy of the under mentioned plans and specifications are to be enclosed with your application and include:

A scale no less than 1:500 / 1:200

The position of north

The fall of the land

A Building Plan:

The building plan must accurately identify all bedrooms, studies, plumbing fixtures, and wastewater and storm water drainage points.